Best ways to enjoy acidic drinks and keep tooth enamel strong

Go ahead, drink that glass of wine. We dare you...

Can you imagine giving up having a glass of wine with your dinner? How about your morning jolt of caffeine on the way to the office?

Go ahead, drink that glass of OJ. we dare you...

Can you imagine giving up having a glass of wine with your dinner? How about your morning jolt of caffeine on the way to the office? Or your favourite juice with breakfast?

Many of our favourite drinks are highly acidic and actually damage our teeth with each gulp we take. Even healthy drinks, such as tea and sports energy drinks, cause wear and tear on our tooth enamel.

But fret not, because you can still enjoy some of your favourite drinks without turning your bright smile into a rotting cave of tooth decay. Just remember, as with most good things in life, moderation is key!

Cut down when you can

It's OK to have a can of pop from time to time or a glass of wine with your dinner a couple of times a week. You don't have to give up your guilty pleasures to keep your tooth enamel strong. Just try to alternate acidic beverages with non-acidic beverages or water to protect your tooth enamel, and if possible, search for juices labelled as having "reduced acidity."

Practice proper hygiene

We all know that brushing your teeth is vital to a healthy mouth, but did you know that all that arm power you put into brushing your teeth might actually do more harm than good? So after you have your glass of wine, wait about an hour to brush your teeth, as acid softens tooth enamel, leaving it more prone to damage.

Suck it up

We might have chuckled at people drinking their coffee through a straw in the past, but when it comes to the battle of tooth decay, they might be getting the last laugh. Consuming beverages through a straw is one of the simplest ways to avoid having acidic beverages come in contact with your teeth.

Chug it down

Rather than sip on your mug of tea all afternoon or drink the same energy drink all day long, consume your acidic beverage in one sitting. Nursing acidic drinks throughout the day is tougher on your tooth enamel, so drink them as quickly as possible instead.

Chew some gum

Saliva naturally protects teeth and acts as a way to reverse acid attacks on them. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum containing xylitol reduces the amount of acid left behind from foods and drinks and stimulates saliva flow, which strengthens teeth with key minerals.

Water is your best friend

Keeping acidic beverages to a minimum is the best way to protect your teeth, but since this isn't always possible, rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic drinks helps to get rid of the acid that's left in your mouth as well as to increase saliva production.